But we don't torture....do we?

Hey Everybody,

I just finished Eugene Robinson's latest piece in the Washington post and thought I'd get a few things off of my chest.

The piece deals with the latest evidence that the Bush Administration used to justify thier torture procedures while fighting the GWOT. The memo's were released because of a FOIA lawsuit brought against the Administration by the ACLU.

Robinson's opening quote

" I still find it hard to believe that George W. Bush, to his eternal shame and our nation's great discredit, made torture a matter of hair-splitting, legalistic debate at the highest levels of the U.S. government. But that's precisely what he did.

empasis mine

This is not the country I grew up in. I believe that we are still a county of laws, not men, and those laws should be followed by everyone, especially those who have been entrusted to the highest offices in the land.

I realize that in the minds of some 9/11 "changed everything" but there's no need for the Administration to either actively torture detainees or send them off to countries where we know they'll be tortured. to quote Mr. Robinson,

Somehow, though, the administration pretends not to understand that strapping a prisoner down and pouring water into his nose until he can't breathe constitutes a death threat -- regardless of whether the interrogator intended to stop before the prisoner actually drowned

I'm hoping that the upcoming election will also change everything and that the incoming administration sheds some light on what has been done in our names.

Thanks for letting me vent, I feel much better now.

As far as things at home are going, we're doing pretty well. Linda and Aidan seem to have caught a summer cold, hopefully they'll both be better soon. I have fully recovered from the appendectomy I had to have over the weekend of July 4th. Now I'm waiting to see how big my portion of the bill is, that should be fun.

Have a good evening,
Rob

Update!

Hey Gang,

The REP has a new space!! We've moved to the old Studio Academy space on 7th St NE. I've been lucky enough to be cast in Terra Nova which is really exciting. The show is about Captain Robert Scott's expedition to the South Pole. It runs from January 18th to February 2nd. If you get a chance, please stop by and check out the new space!!!

Happy Holidays!!
Rob

R.I.P REP

Hey Gang,

Well, it's finally happened. The REP has lost it's lease. A developer has bought the building we've called "home" for the last 24 years along with some adjoing property and is planning on redeveloping the site.



I'm still having a hard time believing it's happening. I've spent alot of time at the REP, (My wife would say entirely too much time) over the last fifteen years. When I first moved to Rochester and didn't know a soul, it always felt good to go volunteer or see a show there. I've made many friends and have countless memeories that I shall hold dear for life.

I'm on my way to see the final performance in our present space, here's hoping the hiatus is only temporary.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Rob

Baseball Playofffs!!

Hey Everybody,

Just thought I'd check in and post a few thoughts about the MLB Playoffs. I'm very excited that the Cubs and Phillies have both made the playoffs. The only thing better would have been to have the Twins in as well, (oh well, maybe next year). I think it's been something like fifteen years since the Phillies even made the post-season, and I'm always hoping that the Cubbies will banish the curse and finally win the WS, although as strong as the AL is, this may not be their year.

Have a good one,
Rob

Help Restore Habeas Corpus!!

Hey Gang!!

Help restore Habeas Coupus by becoming a "citizen co-sponsor". Just click on the image below.



Have a good one!!
Rob

So Long KG

Hey everybody.

Has it really been 4 months since I posted last? I realize very few people check this site, but for those who do, again I apologize for the lack of activity.

Anyway, the reason I decided to post this evening was today's trade of Kevin Garnett by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics (BOOOOO!!!). I had the opportunity to see Kevin a few times when my brother Chad and I used to catch games back in the late 90's. We saw one very impressive game he had against the Houston Rockets that has been seen by some local sports writers as his "coming out party" as he completely dominated the fourth quarter and brought the Wolves from behind to win. It's a shame the the front office of the Timberwolves couldn't surround this truly gifted man with the right peices so that he could have the NBA title he so richly deserves.

The Boston Celtics have never been one of my favorite teams, in fact I think it's safe to say I hate 'em; but I'll be tuning in this season to see how they do and as much as it might hurt, I'll be rooting for KG and his new teammates and wondering, yet again, what might have been.

So long KG, you'll be sorely missed!!


Is it time for McHale to take a permanent vacation to his cabin up North?

I think so.

Later,
Rob

I couldn't Resist

Hey Gang,

Just saw this cross posted at dailykos and had to add it here,

href="http://piketaylor.blogspot.com/2005/07/day-in-life-of-joe-republican.html">

I would also like to invite anyone who reads this and is in the area to come to the Rep's upcoming production of "Rocketman" by Stephen Dietz. I've been lucky enough to be cast and it's a really interesting script. If you've got a free Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night in May, we'd love to have you attend.

Have a good one,

Rob